Powered wheeled riding device

ABSTRACT

A powered wheeled riding device is configured to receive left and right foot inputs from a user and in response control a left motor and a right motor to move respective left and right wheels forwardly and backwardly consistent with the left and right foot inputs in order to steer the device without changing a direction of the wheels relative to a frame of the riding device. The riding device has at least one rear wheel that is not powered. The rear wheel is mounted on a wheel mount that rotates freely about a vertical axis so that the rear wheel freely is directed in any direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No.17/653,058 filed on Mar. 1, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,548,583, which isa continuation of U.S. Application No. 16/853,739, filed on Apr. 20,2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,433,966, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/836,651, filed Apr. 20, 2019, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/006,344, filed Apr. 7, 2020. The entiretyof each of these priority applications is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of powered wheeled ridingtoys.

Wheeled riding toys, such as wheeled riding horses, are well known. Insuch toys, a child sits on a saddle of a horse. Wheels are disposed atall four feet of the horse, which has a rigid internal frame forsupporting the rider. As such, the rider can ride the horse, propellingit around using her feet. While this can be fun for some, users tend tobecome bored of toys taking this approach.

Two-wheeled self-balancing scooters, also often referred to ashoverboards, are also well-known. A typical hoverboard includes a rightpart and a left part that each have a wheel and a footpad. A usertypically stands upon the footpads, and electronics, such as sensors,detect user foot movements. A hoverboard controller directs control ofmotors driving the wheels based on such user inputs. Although popular,hoverboards have a limited versatility.

SUMMARY

The present specification describes embodiments employing technologicalaspects of self-balancing scooters and thematic wheeled riding toys.

In accordance with one embodiment the present specification provides apowered wheeled riding device, comprising a riding toy portioncomprising a frame structure supporting a saddle configured to support arider thereupon and defining a plurality of back legs, a wheel structureattached to each of the back legs, each wheel structure having a rollingwheel and a rotating mount configured so that the rolling wheel canrotate into any rolling direction, and a powered, wheeled,self-balancing scooter comprising left and right footpads, the scooterconfigured to receive rider inputs via the footpads. The scooter canattached to the frame structure so that the riding toy portion movestogether with the scooter.

In some embodiments the scooter is rigidly attached to the frame. Insome such embodiments the frame defines a plurality of front legs, andthe front legs are disposed in front of the scooter. In additionalembodiments the scooter footpads are positioned in front of the saddlebut behind the front legs. In additional embodiments a mount postextends between the scooter and a mount structure disposed in a body ofthe frame. In further such embodiments the scooter comprises a rightpart and a left part that are rotatable relative one another, and aninsert is disposed between the right part and the left part, and whereinthe mount post is connected to the insert.

In additional embodiments a toy controller in the riding toy portioncommunicates with a scooter controller in the scooter, the scootercontroller adapted to control movement of the scooter and communicatingmovement data concerning the scooter to the toy controller, and the toycontroller is configured to actuate one or more effects on the ridingtoy portion based on the movement data. In some such embodiments the toycontroller is configured to direct the scooter controller to controlmovement of the scooter in accordance with one of a plurality of controlmodes. In further embodiments the toy controller is configured tocommunicate wirelessly with a remote computing device so that the remotecomputing device can configure operation of the toy controller.

In accordance with another embodiment the present specification providesa thematic structure configured for use with a powered self-balancingscooter, comprising a connector configured to attach to theself-balancing scooter, a post extending from the connector, and athematic element supported by the post and configured to be held by auser standing on the self-balancing scooter. The post is attached to theconnector at a joint configured so that the post can be moved relativeto the connector without affecting operation of the scooter.

In accordance with yet another embodiment the present specificationprovides a powered wheeled riding device, comprising a riding toyportion comprising a frame structure supporting a saddle configured tosupport a rider thereupon and defining a plurality of back legs and leftand right front legs, a wheel structure attached to each of the backlegs, each wheel structure having a rolling wheel and a rotating mountconfigured so that the rotating mount can rotate freely about a verticalaxis, a left motor configured to rotate a left wheel and being attachedto the left front leg, a right motor configured to rotate a right wheeland being attached to the right front leg, a right foot receiverconfigured to receive a user right foot and comprising a right footinput configured to receive a forward or backward user right input, aleft foot receiver configured to receive a user left foot and comprisinga left foot input configured to receive a forward or backward user leftinput, and a controller configured to direct the left and right motorsto turn the respective left and right wheels in accordance with the userleft input and user right input.

In accordance with a still further embodiment, the present specificationprovides a powered wheeled riding device in which front wheels do notrotate to steer, but are independently controlled so as to steer byrelative movement of the wheels, and rear wheels are not powered and areconfigured to rotate freely in any direction so that the riding devicemoves with the powered front wheels.

In some such embodiments user inputs for controlling the powered frontwheels are obtained from user foot inputs.

In other embodiments user inputs for controlling the powered frontwheels are obtained from user inputs from a user’s hands.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, the present specificationprovides a thematic accessory that is selectively attachable to atwo-wheeled, self-balancing scooter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical self-balancing scooter;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a user riding a thematicwheeled riding toy in combination with a self-balancing scooter;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the configuration of FIG. 2 showing options formovement of the configuration;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment in which a thematic wheeledriding tow is rigidly attached to a self-balancing scooter;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the configuration of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the configuration of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the configuration of FIG. 4 showing theinterior of the configuration with the thematic elements in ghost lines;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of certain elements of aself-balancing scooter configured in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the configuration of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 10-10 of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is another exploded perspective view of the configuration ofFIG. 8 ;

FIG. 12 is a close-up cross-sectional view of portions of anotherembodiment of a an insert placed between left and right parts of aself-balancing scooter;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a poweredthematic toy, showing the frame selectively attachable to aself-balancing scooter;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an axle assembly of anembodiment of a self-balancing scooter;

FIG. 16A is an end view of a scooter having the axle assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16B-16B of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wheeled ridingtoy having a clamp;

FIG. 18 shows the toy of FIG. 17 clamped onto a self-balancing scooter;

FIG. 19A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an attachmentdevice configured for use with another embodiment of a self-balancingscooter;

FIG. 19B shows a wheeled riding toy attached to the configuration ofFIG. 19A;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a wheeled riding toy attached to aself-balancing scooter via yet another embodiment of an attachmentdevice;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of still another embodiment of anattachment device, and a wheeled riding toy attached to a self-balancingscooter via the attachment device;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wheeled ridingtoy having a clamp;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the configuration of FIG. 22 attachedto a self-balancing scooter and having a mounting accessory;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wheeled ridingtoy attached to a self-balancing scooter;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view a thematic accessory attached to aself-balancing scooter;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a powered wheeledriding device; and

FIG. 27 shows the configuration of FIG. 26 , showing internal structure.

DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIG. 1 , a typical self-balancing scooter 30,often referred to as a hoverboard, includes a right part 32 with a rightwheel 34 and a right footpad 36, and a left part 42 with a left wheel 44and a left footpad 46. A user typically stands upon the footpads 36, 46.Electronic components, such as sensors, detect user foot movements. Ascooter controller, comprising a microprocessor, receives signalsindicative of such foot movements, and directs control of motors drivingthe wheels based on such user inputs. For instance, a user stands on thescooter 30, which is directed to move forward if the user leans forward,and move backward when the user leans backward. In the illustratedembodiment, the opposing right and left parts 32, 42 of the scooter 30twist relative to one another in accordance with user inputs to thefootpads 34, 44. If, for example, the right part 32 is rotated forwardlyand the left part 42 simultaneously rotated backwardly, the right wheel36 will move forwardly and the left wheel 46 will move backwardly sothat the scooter 30 will turn and/or twist to the left(counterclockwise.

With reference next to FIGS. 2 and 3 , in one embodiment, a two-wheeledself-balancing scooter 30 can be used in conjunction with a wheeledriding toy 50. As shown, the wheeled riding toy 50 is configured aboutthe theme of a horse. A frame 60 (see FIG. 7 ) supports a saddle 54 uponwhich a user can sit. Wheels 62 are disposed at each of the front andrear legs 56, 58. Each wheel 62 rotates about an axle 64 supported by awheel mount 66. Preferably each wheel mount 66 is rotatable relative tothe associated leg so that each wheel 62 can freely rotate about asubstantially vertical axis. In one preferred embodiment the wheelmounts 66 and wheels 62 are casters. In the illustrated embodiment thescooter 30 is arranged immediately behind the front legs 56 of theriding toy 50 so that the user’s feet rest upon the footpads 34, 44 at alocation similar to where a user’s feet would be arranged in stirrups ona real horse - below and slightly forwardly of the saddle 54.

As the user controls the scooter 30 via foot inputs, the riding toy 50follows the movement of the scooter 30. For example, as indicated inFIG. 3 , the riding toy 50 moves forward and backward, turns right andleft, and even spins in accordance with inputs provided to the scooter30 from the user.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the riding toy 50 isindependent of the scooter 30, and there is no direct physical orelectrical connection between them other than through the rider. Inadditional embodiments the front legs 56 of the riding toy 50 can beconnected to the scooter 30 so as to provide a physical connectionhelping scooter 30 to direct and control movement of the riding toy 50.Such a connection can take many forms. For example, in some embodiments,a strap can extend from the front legs to and around the scooter so thatthe left and right parts of the scooter move without restriction. Inother embodiments one or more of the front legs can be attached to acasing and/or chassis of the scooter so as to physically and rigidlyconnect the riding toy to the scooter, enhancing the direct correlationbetween movement of the scooter and the riding toy.

With reference next to FIGS. 4-11 , another embodiment is illustrated inwhich an insert 70 is disposed between the left and right parts 32, 42of the scooter 30 and is configured to rotate about an axle 72 of thescooter 30, but is constrained to not rotate about any other axes.Preferably, the insert 70 does not rotate with either scooter part 32,42 (within a range of operation). A post 80 extends upwardly from theinsert 70 to support the riding toy 50. With the post 80 rigidlyattached to the insert 70 and riding toy 50, the front legs 56 of theriding toy 50 preferably are in front of the scooter 30 and are raisedabove the ground, with no wheels. The back legs 58 remain supported bywheels 34, 44 that are rotatable about a vertical axis – or the axis ofthe back legs 58 - so as to allow the riding toy 50 to continue tofollow the movements of the scooter 30, including turns and spinning.Preferably the rear wheels 58 play no role in steering or determiningdirection of the riding toy 50.

With specific reference to FIG. 7 , in a preferred embodiment, theriding toy 50 comprises a frame structure 60 comprising a plurality ofupper frame elements 74 and lower frame elements 76 that can beinterconnected by struts 78. A support plate 82 comprises a mountstructure 83 configured to receive the post 80. The frame 60 isconfigured to maintain a themed appearance (i.e., horse, dragon,unicorn, elephant, camel, car, spacecraft, etc.), support a user on asaddle 54 of the themed riding toy 50, and safely and effectivelytransmit motion of the scooter 30 to the riding toy 50 and to the rearlegs 58 so that the riding toy 50 moves in concert with the scooter 30.

With particular reference to FIGS. 8-11 , in one embodiment, parts of atypical scooter can be retrofitted to support the mount post 80. Asshown, a scooter chassis 84 comprises left and right chassis parts 85,86 that are rotatably connected to one another via the axle 72. In theillustrated embodiment, the axle 72 is lengthened relative to a stockscooter, and extends through an axle receiver 88 formed in the insert70, which is disposed over the axle 72. Washers 89 are arranged over theaxle 72 on either side of the insert 70. A post receiver 90 is arrangedon a top of the insert 70, and is shaped and configured to receive themount post 80.

In typical scooters, a pin on the right part 85 of the chassis fits intoa slot in the left part 86 in order to limit rotation of the chassisparts relative to one another over an operating range. In theillustrated embodiment, a pin 92 extends from the right part 85 of thechassis 84, and a slot 94 is formed in the insert 70. Preferably theinsert slot 94 is about half the length of a typical slot in a left part86 of the chassis, while a slot 96 in the left part 86 remains thenormal length. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 70 has two pins98 configured to fit into the left part slot 96. The pins 98 areconfigured to enable travel about half the length of a typical slot.Thus, in this configuration, the total operating rotation between theleft and right parts 85, 86 with the insert 70 in place will be aboutthe same as would be the case in a stock scooter without the insert. Itis to be understood that other specific structures can be employed toachieve such an effect.

When the riding toy 50 is mounted to the scooter 30 via the post 80, theriding toy 50 moves with the scooter 30. The mount post 80 communicatesmovement of the scooter 30 to the frame 60, which preferably issufficiently rigid to communicate such movement through the back legs 58and to the wheel mounts 66 which, due to their caster-like ability torotate freely about an axis of the legs (and/or a vertical axis),position the wheels 62 to roll as directed by the motion communicated bythe scooter 30. As such, a user seated on the riding toy 50 with herfeet on the scooter 30 can, by manipulating her feet on the scooter 30foot pads 36, 46, control movement of the riding toy 50.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-11 , the scooter 30 preferablyincludes various electronic components, including, for example, acontroller 100 comprising a processor having a memory. A battery 102supplies power. Wires 104 communicate from the controller 100 to suchelectronics, including passing through the axle 72, which preferably ishollow. For example, left and right footpad sensors 106, 108 sense userinputs and communicate them to the controller 100. Preferably, an axleaperture 110 is formed through the axle 72 and is aligned with the postreceiver 90 of the insert 70. Wiring extends from the controller 100through the axle aperture 110 into the post receiver 90 and the post 80,terminating in an electronic connector 112 formed on the post 80. Ofcourse, in other embodiments such wiring can terminate in a differenttype of connector, such as a free-hanging connector.

With additional reference to FIG. 7 , the mount structure 83 of theriding toy 50 preferably also has an electronic connector 114 that iscomplementary to the post connector 112. Thus, when the post 80 isreceived in the mount structure 83, the electronic connectors 112, 114are engaged. Wiring extends from the mount structure electronicconnector 114 to a riding toy controller 120, which preferably includesa microprocessor having a memory. As such, the toy controller 120 iselectronically connected to the scooter controller 100. In a preferredembodiment, the toy controller 120 receives power and control data fromthe scooter controller 100. As such, the toy controller 120 is informedof the movement data of the scooter 30, and thus is aware of how theriding toy 50 is moving (i.e. forward, back, fast, slow, turning,twisting, and the like).

With specific reference again to FIG. 7 , preferably the riding toy 50comprises a plurality of effects, such as visual, aural, and tactileeffects, that are connected to, powered, and controlled by the toycontroller 120, preferably using power supplied by the attachedscooter’s battery 102. For example, a first lighting effect 124 can be acluster of LED lights positioned at the horse’s eyes 126, while a secondlighting effect 128 can include a strip of lights located along thehorse’s mane 130 (or a unicorn’s horn, car’s dashboard, or the like),and a third lighting effect 132 can comprise a strip of lights extendingalong the horse’s tail 134. A first speaker 136 can be located adjacentthe horse’s mouth 138 so as to simulate neighing, snorting, and thelike, and a second speaker 140 located within the body below the user. Atactile effect, such as a vibrating motor 142, can be attached to thehorse’s saddle 54 and/or the frame 60 adjacent the saddle, and a secondtactile effect 144 can comprise a motor configured to shake the horse’stail 134. Another tactile effect can comprise a smoke generator 146placed adjacent the horse’s nostrils 148. Still another tactile effectcan include a motor 150 placed at a hinge joint Still another tactileeffect can include a motor 150 placed at a hinge joint 152 in thehorse’s neck and configured to rotate the horse’s head 154 up and down.

In some embodiments, the toy controller 120 will actuate one or more ofthe effects depending on data received from the scooter controller 100.For example, when the scooter data indicates that the toy 50 is movingforward, the controller will turn on the horse’s eye lights 124, trigger“moving” lights 128 on the mane 130, and actuate the body speaker 140 tomake the clip-clop of horse’s hooves. And when the scooter dataindicates that the scooter is moving at full speed the toy controller120 will increase the speed of the hoof sounds emitted by the bodyspeaker 140, increase the speed of the moving lights 128, andperiodically actuate the smoke generator 146 to blow smoke from thenostrils 148. If the user then changes inputs to stop abruptly, the toycontroller 120 will actuate the saddle vibrator motor 142 to vibrate thesaddle 54, actuate the head speaker 136 to emit a loud neighing sound,flash the mane lights 128, actuate the body speaker 140 to emit aclip-clop sound corresponding to a rapidly-decelerating horse, actuatethe head motor 150 to rotate the head 154 backwardly, and actuate thesmoke generator 146 to emit a rapid succession of smoke puffs from thenostrils 148. In a preferred embodiment, the toy controller 120 isfurther configured to actuate aural, visual and other effectscorresponding to movements, including consideration of direction andacceleration, such as actuating the mouth speaker 136 to emit a whinnyand the saddle motor 142 to vibrate the saddle 54. It is to beunderstood that other effects, and various configurations of effects,can be employed. Also, in embodiments having other themes (such as aunicorn, elephant, Pegasus, car, spacecraft or the like), differenteffects consistent with the theme and correlating to various movementconditions can be employed.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , in a preferred embodiment, the toycontroller 120 comprises wireless communications structure, such as anantenna and transceiver, configured to communicate wirelessly with aremote computing device 160, such as a remote control, smartphone,tablet or laptop computer. The remote computing device can communicatewith the toy controller 120 via such wireless communication. In someembodiments the remote device 160 can access the memory of thecontroller 120 and modify the programming of the toy controller 120.

The toy controller also preferably can communicate instructions to thescooter controller 100 – via the wired connection – to change how thescooter 30 responds to user inputs. For example, in one embodiment, auser of a smartphone may have an app enabling the user to select betweena beginner mode, an intermediate mode and an advanced mode. Whensignaled by the smartphone to operate in the beginner mode, the toycontroller 120 may be configured to operate in a manner more suited tovery-young children. For example, vibration of the saddle 54 may beminimized, and sounds may be more whimsical that realistic in order toappeal to very-young children. The sounds may even include songs, andthe thematic toy may speak, laugh or the like rather than simulateanimal movements. Also, in the beginner mode, the toy controller 120will direct the scooter controller 100 to change its response to userinputs. For example, the scooter reaction speed to user foot movementsmay be muted and intentionally slowed, and operating speeds may be cutin half, by two-thirds, or the like to enable safe usage by a very youngchild. Further, certain movements, such as reverse or spinning, may beeliminated and/or slowed to quarter speed.

In the intermediate mode, sounds and reactions may be more realistic,but speeds and reaction times may still be limited. The advanced modecan expect full speed and the most advanced and realistic effects. Inanother embodiment, the app can have a quiet mode, including a mechanismfor reducing the volume of or muting aural effects, and may include theoption of turning certain effects on or off. In some embodiments, thetoy controller can communicate status or alerts to the remote device.For example, the toy controller can signal the remote device when thesmoke generator device needs to be refilled with smoke fluid. In stillfurther embodiments the riding toy 50 can include further sensors, suchas proximity sensors, that communicate proximity of external objects tothe toy controller 120. In such an embodiment, when the toy controller120 is made aware of an object very close to the toy 50, it willcommunicate instructions to the scooter controller 100 to limit certainoperations. For example, the toy controller 120 may instruct the scootercontroller 100 not to induce a spin – regardless of the user input – inorder to avoid impacting the sensed object. Such an embodiment couldinclude an “inside” mode actuating this feature, and an “outside” modewhen the proximity sensor feature is disabled.

In still further embodiments, user profiles can be created havingpreferred settings for particular users. For example, a first member ofthe family will always operate in beginner mode, while a second memberof the family operates in advanced mode, but prefers to set all backwardmovements to half-speed and turn off the vibrating motors. Selection ofa particular user’s profile will result in the user adopting theoperating preferences of the selected profile. In some embodiments, theuser profiles can be saved in memory of the toy controller 120. In otherembodiments, the user profiles can be saved in an online app, andaccessed via the remote device 160 when initiating control of the ridingtoy 50.

In still further embodiments, the remote computing device 160 canoperate as a remote control. As such, the toy controller 120 willreceive input instructions from the remote device 160 and direct thescooter controller 100 how to control the scooter 30 regardless of anyuser foot inputs. Instead, the remote control 160 will instruct the toycontroller 120 how to move, and the toy controller 120 will convey suchmovement instructions to the scooter controller 100, which will controlthe wheel motors 52 to apply such control instructions.

With reference next to FIG. 12 , another embodiment of an insert 70 isshown. In this embodiment, the insert 70 is unitarily formed andcomprises left and right hollow axle portions 164 (rather than aseparately-formed axle). Control wires 166 run through the hollow axleportions and post receiver 90 to connect the toy controller 120 with thescooter controller 100. In the illustrated embodiment, a free-hangingwire connector 168 is provided to connect to wires extending from thetoy controller 120. In another embodiment, the toy controller 120 andscooter controller 100 can be configured to wirelessly share data backand forth. In such an embodiment, preferably the riding toy 50 alsoincludes its own battery.

In preferred embodiments, the mount post 80 is releasably attachable inthe insert post receiver 90 and/or the riding toy mount structure 83.Electronic connectors may be configured to engage in the toy mountstructure, as shown in FIG. 7 , or within the insert’s post receiver ifdesired. In some embodiments, a user can obtain a second themed ridingtoy structure (sans scooter), can detach the original riding toy 50 fromthe scooter 30 and engage the second riding toy to the scooter,including electrically connecting the second riding toy. Thus, thescooter provides the movement and power interchangeably with a pluralityof different riding toys, each of which will have its own customized setof thematic effects.

In further embodiments, structure such as a shock absorber can beincorporated into the mount post and/or the back legs so as to smoothout the ride. Further, the mount post and/or legs can have a telescopingstructure that is powered by a motor so as to impart an up/down motionto the riding toy. Such up/down motion can be configured to change infrequency with speed, and can be configured to change in amplitude basedupon personalized settings and mode, and or in connection with thedetected motion.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-11 , the mount post has acircular cross-section. It is to be understood that, in otherembodiments, a mount post can have other cross-sectional shapes, such assquare, hexagonal, or the like. Such shapes may facilitate communicationof rotational movement from the scooter to the riding toy. In additionalembodiments other structure, such as keyed structures, may engage themount structure and/or post receiver so as to prevent the mount postfrom rotating relative to such mount structures. In yet additionalembodiments, the insert can be configured to rigidly connect to thefront legs of the riding toy frame rather than employing a mount postrunning between the scooter and the riding toy body.

With reference next to FIGS. 13-16 , another embodiment is presented inwhich the mount post 80 is rigidly and permanently attached to the frame60, and specifically the support plate 82. In the illustratedembodiment, the mount post 80 has a non-circular cross-section. Morespecifically, the mount post is generally oval or elliptical incross-section, and increases in both major axis and minor axis from itsbottom end (where it engages the insert 70) to its top end (where it isattached to the support plate 82. A post interface 170 is defined at thebottom end and is configured to be received into acomplementarily-formed post receiver 90 of the insert 70. As such, whenthe mount post 80 is seated in the post receiver 90 of the insert 70,due to its elliptical shape, the mount post 80 efficiently andeffectively transfers rotation of the scooter 30 to the riding toy 50with very little play. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair offasteners 172 are also provided to connect the mount post 80 verticallyto the insert 70.

In the illustrated embodiment, the head 154 of the riding toy 50comprises a head post 174 configured to be received by a head receiver176 supported by the frame 60. The head post 174 can be secured in placein the head receiver 176 via a fastener 178. Additionally, in theillustrated embodiment the non-load-bearing front legs 56 are eachsupported by a rotatable connector 180 comprising a spring-loaded detent182. In practice, the legs 56 can each be rotated about a vertical axisfrom a storage position (opposite the shown position) to the extendedposition, which is shown. When the front legs 56 are in the desired,extended position, the spring-loaded detent 182 will actuate, keepingthe front legs 56 in the extended position. Preferably the spring-loadeddetent 182 will also actuate to releasably keep the front legs 56 in thestorage position. In this manner, the present riding toy 50 can bepartially disassembled and compacted for easier storage and shipping.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the frame 60 of the riding toy 50 without thecovering of thematic features. It is to be understood that such a basicframe 60 can accommodate multiple variations of thematic covers,including the horse theme, and can also accommodate a variety of visual,aural and tactile effects appropriate to the chosen theme. For example,rather than affix a head to the head receiver 176, a toy laser gun canbe affixed to a head post 174, and the frame 60 covered with thematicaccoutrements consistent with a spaceship. Visual, aural and tactileeffects may be included that are specifically germane to a spaceflight/space battle game, including rocket engine noise, laser shootingsounds and light effects, and even tactile vibrations due to the shipbeing hit by other lasers and or simulated meteor impacts, along withradio transmissions from teammates.

With specific reference next to FIGS. 15 and 16A-B, the illustratedembodiment comprises a bearing-supported interface between the insert70, axle 72 and right and left chassis parts 85, 86. Specifically, eachof the right and left chassis parts 85, 86 comprises a mount block 190having an insert-side wall 192 and a wheel-side wall 194, and an axlepassage 196 extending therethrough. The axle 72 extends through the axlepassage 196 and the axle receiver 88 of the insert 70. A plurality ofbearing assemblies 200, each comprising a bearing cup 202, bearing kit204 and bearing race 206, are provided, one at each of the insert-sidewalls 192 and wheel-side walls 194, so as to rotatably support the axle72 relative to the mount blocks 190. The bearing assemblies 200 on theinsert-side walls 192 are also received into a bearing seat 208 formedin the insert 70, and are configured to provide a limited clearancespace between the insert 70 and adjacent insert-side walls 192 of themount blocks 190. A spacer 209 can be provided over the axle and betweenbearing assemblies 200.

The bearing-supported interface preferably is configured to have verylittle to no play. To that end, one end of the axle 72 includes aretaining ring 210, washer 212, and race stopper 214, and at theopposite end of the axle 72 a threaded bearing race 216 replaces race206, and a lock nut 218 secures the entire interface together. Since thebearing-supported interface has very little to no play, rotation aboutan axis transverse to the axle 72, such as spinning of the scooter 30,is more readily and predictably transferred to the mount post 80 andriding toy 50.

In another embodiment, rather than employing a retaining ring, washerand race stopper, the first end of the axle can be provided with araised flange for retaining bearing assemblies.

The embodiments discussed herein have generally provided a riding toy 50attached to a scooter 30 via an insert 70. In additional embodiments,different structures can be employed to attach the riding toy 50 to ascooter 30. For example, with reference next to FIGS. 17 and 18 , anembodiment of a riding toy 50 may include a clamp 220 defining a collar222 configured to openable and closeable by mans of a lever 224. In use,the collar 222 can be opened and drawn around the central part of atypical scooter 30, and the lever 224 can then be actuated to close thecollar 222 and tighten it, to an extent, about the center of the scooter30. The scooter 30 then is attached to the riding toy 50, and the ridingtoy 50 will move with the scooter 30 in a manner similar to embodimentsdiscussed above.

The embodiments discussed above have employed a scooter in which theleft and right parts rotate relative to one another. It is to beunderstood that principles discussed herein can be applied to otherconfigurations of two-wheeled self-balancing scooters, such asconfigurations in with the left and right parts do not rotate relativeto one another.

With reference next to FIGS. 19A-B, an embodiment of a self-balancingscooter 30 is shown in which a body 226 of the scooter is unitary. Assuch, although sensors in the right and left footpads 36, 46 detect userinputs to communicate to the scooter controller, the body 226 is notseparated into right and left parts that rotate relative to one another.In the illustrated embodiment, an attachment member 230 comprises a toppart 232 and a bottom part 234 configured to enclose a portion of thebody 226 of the scooter 30. The top and bottom parts 232, 234 preferablyare fastened to one another, sandwiching the body 226 therebetween. Thetop part 232 includes an interface 236 comprising a male interfacemember 238 configured to be received by a female receiver (not shown) inan embodiment of a mount post 80 of a riding toy 50. As such, the ridingtoy 50 can be selectively attached to, and work with, multiple types ofscooters 30.

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment, in which an attachment member 230 isconfigured to bolt directly onto a scooter body 226 and comprises a postreceiver 90 configured to receive the mount post 80 of the riding toy50. As an alternative to bolting, the illustrated attachment member 230includes tabs 240 configured to fit under the right and left footpads36, 46, so that the footpads keep the attachment member 230 in place onthe scooter body 226.

With reference next to FIG. 21 , another embodiment of an attachmentmember 230 having tabs 240 comprises an interface 236 having a slidingreceiver 242. The mount post 80 of the riding toy 50 includes a flange244 about its bottom end, which flange 244 is configured to be receivedin the sliding receiver 242 in order to securely secure the riding toy50 to the scooter 30.

It is to be understood that additional embodiments may employ stillfurther structure to secure the riding toy to a scooter, whether via aninsert 70 or attachment member 230. And, for example, interfaces 236 forconnecting a mount post 80 can take various specific structural shapes,whether being employed with an attachment member 230 as shown, or inembodiments employing an insert 70.

With reference next to FIGS. 22 and 23 , another embodiment of a ridingtoy 50 comprises a frame 60 attachable to a scooter 30 via a mount post80. The illustrated frame 60 is supported by a single wheel mount 66 andwheel 62, and the wheel mount 66 is configured to enable free rotationabout a vertical axis. The illustrated wheel 62 is relatively large,such as having a diameter as large as or greater than a diameter of thewheels 34, 44 of the scooter 30. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel 62includes an inflatable tire configured to support the weight of largerchildren, teenage boys and the like. A saddle 54 is supported by theframe 60. In the illustrated embodiment the saddle 54 resembles atypical bicycle seat.

A handlebar 250 is supported by a neck 252, which attaches to both themount post 80 and frame 60. The handlebar 250 serves no steeringfunction, and preferably simply provides a place for a rider seated uponthe saddle 54 to hang onto while riding. In a preferred embodiment, theneck 252 provides a rigid connection to both the mount post 80 and frame60 so that, in essence, the frame 60, neck 252 and mount post 80effectively function as a unitary frame member. In this manner, and asin embodiments discussed above, the riding toy 50, though shapeddifferently than riding toy embodiments discussed above, moves with thescooter 30.

With continued reference to FIGS. 22 and 23 , the illustrated embodimentdoes not include a thematic element. Such an embodiment my be preferablefor older children, teens and adults who may enjoy the movement of theriding toy 50 without wanting the thematic elements. Also, it is to beunderstood that accessories can be added. For example, as depicted inFIG. 23 , a mount 254 may be provided on the handlebar 250. The mount254 may have many configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, themount 254 is configured to hold a toy gun, such as a water rifle orNerf® dart gun. Groups of riders can employ their riding toys in gamebattles resembling airplane dogfights.

In additional embodiments, the handlebar 250 can be configured to rotateabout the axis of the neck 252, such as to accommodate user comfort orto provide a range of motion for, for example, aiming a play gun 256secured in the mount 254. In a preferred embodiment, the range ofhandlebar 250 rotation is limited, such as to 90° or 60° total rotation(i.e., 45° or 30° in each rotational direction).

In still further embodiments, the frame 60 can also rotate about theaxis of the neck 252. However, excessive rotation of the frame 60 aboutthe neck 252 may make the riding toy 50 unstable. Thus, in additionalembodiments, such rotation is limited to a range such as to 90° or 60°total rotation (i.e., 45° or 30° in each rotational direction).

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 , the riding toy 50 isattached to the scooter 30 via a clamp 22. It is to be understood that,in additional embodiments, several other types of attachment mechanisms,as discussed in other embodiments, may be employed. With reference nextto FIG. 24 , another embodiment is illustrated in which the frame 50 ispermanently attached to the scooter 30. In this embodiment, the mountpost 80 and insert 70 are one unitary member.

An age-old and simple thematic toy is a “pony stick”, which basicallycomprises a broomstick with a thematic feature – such as a horse’s head– at one end. A child can pretend to ride a horse by holding the stickbetween his legs while skipping along - preferably while wearing acowboy hat.

With reference to FIG. 25 , an embodiment is presented of a thematic toystructure 260 that can be removably attached to a self-balancing scooter30. The illustrated thematic structure 260 includes a pony stick 262having a horse’s head 154. In the illustrated embodiment, a clamp 220 isconfigured to fit around and clamp onto such the scooter 30 at the jointbetween the right and left parts 32, 42.

A post 264 extends upwardly from the clamp 220. In the illustratedembodiment, the post 264 comprises a main post member 266 and asecondary post member 268. The secondary post member 268 is slidablyreceived partially within the main post member 266 in a telescopingconfiguration so as to adjust the length of the post 264. A telescopeclamp 270 fixes the position of the secondary post 268 relative to themain post 266 so as to maintain the post 264 at a selected length.Preferably, the post 264 is connected to the clamp 220 by a ball joint272 so as to give the post 264 a great range of motion and adjustmentabout the clamp 220 (and associated powered scooter 30).

Continuing with reference to FIG. 25 , in the illustrated embodiment thepony stick 262 is attached to the top of the post 264 via a top clamp274. In the illustrated embodiment the pony stick 262 is longitudinallyslidable within the top clamp 274 to a desired position and selectivelyheld in place in that position by the top clamp 274. The top clamp 274is attached to the top end of the post 264, preferably at a hingedconnector 276 configured so that the top clamp/pony stick can rotateabout the hinged connector 276 in a vertical plane - i.e., in a planeparallel and/or including the post. This connection can also beconfigured so that the top clamp/pony stick can rotate in a horizontalplan - i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the post.

The configuration shown in FIG. 25 enables the thematic toy structure260 to be attached to any scooter - such as by the illustrated clamp ofany of the attachment structures discussed in other embodiments.Preferably, adjustments can be made to customize the structure 260 tothe size of the rider. During use, the user rides the scooter 30normally - in a standing orientation. The pony stick 262, however, issupported in an ideal location for the user to play as if riding a pony,and the user can even rotate the pony’s head up and down to simulate agalloping horse. Further, the pony stick 262 will adjust to the forwardand sideways leaning of the user’s body incident to controlling theself-balancing scooter 30. Further, although the scooter 30 supports theweight of the thematic toy structure 260, the user still holds it inplace when riding.

In at least some embodiments the thematic toy structure 260 can be bothphysically and electrically attached to the scooter 30 and can includeelectric-powered elements that can be powered by the scooter’s batter.Of course, in other embodiments the structure 260 can have its ownbattery to power such elements, and can be only physically attached tothe scooter 30. In one embodiment, the thematic structure 260 caninclude a button actuable by a user to trigger a sound effect. Othereffects can be triggered by conditions, such as speed, direction, or thelike, as also discussed in other embodiments. Such effects can includeaural, visual, and/or tactile effects.

It is to be understood that the principles discussed herein can beemployed with other specific structure and other thematic structures.For example, in another embodiment the thematic structure can simulatethe shape of an airplane, space ship, car or the like rather than a ponystick. The specific structure of the post may be somewhat different, butthe principle remains that the thematic structure is attachable to andsupported by a powered self-balancing scooter while being held and usedby the rider while standing and riding the scooter 30.

It is also to be understood that further embodiments may include stilladditional features. For example, some embodiments may include a toy gunstructure - such as a Nerf® dart gun, squirt gun, laser-tag and/or othertype of play gun. Additional embodiments may include mounts so thatparticipants can add their own play gun structures to the thematicstructure. A group of riders can then, for example, participate in a“dog fight” simulation or game.

With reference next to FIGS. 26 and 27 , another embodiment of a poweredthematic riding toy 280 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment theriding toy 280 is configured about the theme of a horse, and includes ahead 54, mane 130, tail 134 and the like. The illustrated riding toy 280can share similar components with some of the embodiments of riding toys50 discussed herein. For example, the thematic elements of the ridingtoy 280 are supported by a frame 60 having upper members 74 and lowermembers 76, as well as a pair of rear legs 58 that attach to wheelmounts 66 configured to rotate freely about an axis of the rear legs 58,which preferably is about vertical. The wheel mounts 66 supporthorizontal axles 64, and wheels 62 rotate about the horizontal axles 64.The wheel mounts/wheels can be casters.

In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of front legs 56 connect to motors52 that are mounted in the hubs of right and left wheels 34, 44. Assuch, the motors 52 are not substantially visible. Each motor isconfigured to drive the corresponding wheel 34, 44 forward or backward.Preferably each motor 52 is rigidly attached to the corresponding leg 56so that the motor does not rotate in the same manner as the rear wheels62. More specifically, there is no rotation of the motor/wheelcombination about a vertical axis in a manner that would be consideredsteering of the wheels.

With continued reference to FIGS. 26 and 27 .The frame 60 preferablysupports a controller 100 and battery 102, which are connected to themotors 52 in order to control the motors. Depending on user inputs, thecontroller 100 directs the right and left wheels 34, 44 to moveforwardly and rearwardly in order to direct movement of the riding toy280 in a manner similar to the control strategy used with self-balancingscooters 30 as discussed above. In fact, from a movement perspective,the present embodiment of a riding toy 280 moves similarly to how ridingtoy 50 embodiments discussed above would move were the scooter 30attached at the front legs 56.

A stirrup support 282 depends from the frame 60 on each side of theriding toy 280 generally aligned with the saddle 54. Stirrups 284 hangfrom the stirrup supports 282, and each stirrup 284 preferably includesa stirrup plate 286 configured to accept a user’s foot resting thereon.Sensors 288 associated with the stirrup plate 286 measure user footinputs and communicate such inputs to the controller 100. As such, userfoot inputs can be employed to control the riding toy 280, includingforward, backward, turning and spinning motions. Such control isdictated by the wheels 34, 44 at the front legs 56, and the rear wheels62 simply support the riding toy 280 while providing no steeringcontrol. It is to be understood that various sensor configurations canbe employed to obtain user foot inputs. For example, in one embodiment,stirrup plate sensors 288 measure a rotation angle of the stirrup plate286 relative to the associated stirrup 284 as the user input. Inadditional embodiment in addition to or instead of such a rotationalsensor, pressure sensors 290 can measure differences in user footpressure between a front and back portion of the stirrup plate 286, andthe controller 100 can determine a control strategy based on suchmeasurements.

It is to be understood that the illustrated thematic powered riding toy280 can employ several visual, aural and tactile effects, includingexample effects discussed in other embodiments, and the controller 100can include wireless communication structure enabling monitoring,programming and even control by a remote computing device 160.

In additional embodiments, additional inputs may be considered by thecontroller 100 when controlling the motors 52. For example, in theillustrated embodiment the head 54 is hingedly connected to the headpost 174 at hinge joint 152, and reins 292 are accessible to a rider,and connected to a nose of the head 154. A user pulling up on the reins292 thus may rotate the head 154 upwardly - clockwise about the hingejoint 152 in the illustrated view, while a user pulling down on thereins 292 may rotate the head 154 downwardly – counterclockwise aboutthe hinge joint 152 in the illustrated view. A joint sensor 294 canmeasure such rotation, and send data concerning same to the controller100. For example, the user pulling the reins to rotate the head 154downwardly signals a forward movement, while pulling back on the reins292 to rotate the head 154 upwardly signals slowing/stopping, and evenbackward movement. In such a configuration, the reins 292 provide onlyforward/backward guidance, and do not steer. Instead, steering inputsare taken from the stirrups 286.

In some embodiments, forward/backward inputs can be taken from bothreins 292 and stirrups 286, with rein 292 inputs trumping stirrups 286inputs, but only with respect to forward/backward inputs. In otherembodiments, stirrup inputs are the default input for all control,except that if a sharp pull back on the reins 292 is detected, anemergency stop control is triggered, and the riding toy 280 willimmediately stop all motion. Of course, it is to be understood thatadditional control routines and sensor inputs can be employed. Forexample, in some embodiments sensors can be configured to detectdirectional (i.e., right and left) pulling upon the reins 292 so thatsteering control can also be based on rein inputs.

The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures withsubstantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosingand discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understoodthat other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapesand interactions.

Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context ofcertain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matterextends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to otheralternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number ofvariations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described indetail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventivesubject matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the artbased upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that variouscombinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects ofthe disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope ofthe inventive subject matter. For example, as discussed above, anyembodiment can be modified to connect to a scooter using any of thevarious attachment structures discussed herein, and embodiments asdiscussed in FIGS. 26 and 27 can employ many of the principles discussedin other embodiments, particularly in connection with visual, aural andtactile effects, as well as options regarding themes and additions ofaccessories. Accordingly, it should be understood that various featuresand aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with orsubstituted for one another in order to form varying modes of thedisclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the scopeof the inventive subject matter herein disclosed should not be limitedby the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should bedetermined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

1-11. (canceled)
 12. A powered wheeled riding device, comprising: a first chassis part supporting a first footpad and a first wheel, the first wheel configured to rotate about a chassis axis, the first chassis part terminating along the chassis axis at a first chassis part inner end disposed on a side of the first footpad opposite the first wheel; a second chassis part supporting a second footpad and a second wheel, the second wheel being configured to rotate about the chassis axis, the second chassis part terminating along the chassis axis at a second chassis part inner end disposed on a side of the second footpad opposite the second wheel; and an insert; wherein the first chassis part, second chassis part and insert are coupled together with the insert sandwiched between the first chassis part inner end and the second chassis part inner end; and wherein the first chassis part, second chassis part and insert are each rotatable relative to one another about the chassis axis.
 13. A riding device as in claim 12, additionally comprising an axle that is aligned with the chassis axis, wherein the axle supports the first chassis part, the second chassis part and the insert.
 14. A riding device as in claim 13, wherein the first chassis part and the second chassis part are each supported by bearings on the axle, and the first chassis part and the second chassis part are each rotatable about the axle.
 15. A riding device as in claim 14, wherein the axle is not rotatable relative to the insert.
 16. A riding device as in claim 15, wherein an axle aperture is formed in the axle and a bottom aperture is formed in the insert, and wherein the axle aperture is aligned with the bottom aperture.
 17. A riding device as in claim 13, wherein the first chassis part defines the first footpad, and a first drive motor is configured to drive the first wheel about the chassis axis, and the second chassis part defines the second footpad, and a second drive motor is configured to drive the second wheel about the chassis axis, and additionally comprising a controller, the controller configured to direct operation of the first drive motor and the second drive motor depending on rotational positions of the first chassis part and second chassis part.
 18. A riding device as in claim 12, wherein the insert comprises a mount portion configured to receive a mount post of a detachable portion.
 19. A riding device as in claim 18, wherein the mount portion is sized and configured to receive a keyed portion of the mount post in a manner so that a position of the mount post relative to the insert is fixed.
 20. A riding device as in claim 19, wherein the mount post has a non-circular cross section at the keyed portion.
 21. A riding device as in claim 19, wherein the mount post has a non-circular cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis.
 22. A riding device as in claim 21, wherein the mount post is elongated, and the major axis and minor axis of the post generally increase along its length moving away from the keyed portion.
 23. A riding device as in claim 18, wherein the detachable portion comprises a riding toy portion comprising a frame structure supporting a saddle configured to support a rider thereupon and defining a back leg, the back leg having a wheel structure attached thereto, the mount post extending from the frame structure so that the riding toy portion is releasably connectable to the insert.
 24. A riding device as in claim 23, wherein the wheel structure comprises a rolling wheel supported on a rotating mount, the rotating mount configured to rotate freely about an axis.
 25. A riding device as in claim 23, configured so that when the riding toy is connected to the insert the saddle is behind the first chassis part and second chassis part.
 26. A riding device as in claim 18, additionally comprising a first rotation limiter operable between the insert and the first chassis part, the first rotation limiter configured to limit rotation of the first chassis part relative to the insert, and a second rotation limiter operable between the insert and the second chassis part, the second rotation limiter configured to limit rotation of the second chassis part relative to the insert, wherein the first rotation limiter and the second rotation limiter collectively limit rotation of the first chassis part relative to the second chassis part to within a selected range.
 27. A riding device as in claim 26, wherein the first rotation limiter and the second rotation limiter are configured so that the mount portion of the insert remains generally upwardly-facing when the first chassis part rotates relative to the second chassis part within the selected range.
 28. A powered wheeled riding device, comprising: a first chassis part defining a first footpad and supporting a first wheel and a first drive motor, the first chassis part configured to rotate about a chassis axis and terminating along the chassis axis at a first chassis part inner end disposed on a side of the first footpad opposite the first wheel; a second chassis part defining a second footpad and supporting a second wheel and a second drive motor, the second chassis part configured to rotate about the chassis axis and terminating along the chassis axis at a second chassis part inner end disposed on a side of the second footpad opposite the second wheel; and an insert sandwiched between the first chassis part inner end and the second chassis part_inner end; wherein the first chassis part, second chassis part and insert are each rotatable relative to one another.
 29. A riding device as in claim 28, additionally comprising an elongated post extending from the insert, and a themed toy device is supported by the elongated post.
 30. A riding device as in claim 28, additionally comprising an elongated post extending from the insert, and a riding frame supported by the elongated post and having at least one wheel, the riding frame defining a seat portion.
 31. A riding device as in claim 28, additionally comprising an elongated post extending from the insert, wherein the elongated post has a major axis and a minor axis, and the major axis and minor axis of the elongated post generally increase along the length of the post moving away from the insert. 